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Hyper USB-C Hubs and SSD Enclosure Review

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Several months ago, Hyper introduced a series of accessories under the “HyperDrive Next” family, bringing a variety of options for USB-C hubs and other products. I’ve recently spent some time testing out some of these accessories, and I’ve found them to offer an assortment of capabilities across price points to suit a variety of users.

hyper usb hubs ssd

USB4 NVMe SSD Enclosure

Priced at $119.99, Hyper’s USB4 NVMe SSD Enclosure offers support for a speedy external drive inside a robust aluminum enclosure protected by a silicone bumper to cushion against impacts and provide IP55 dust and water resistance. The enclosure supports M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen 4/3 SSDs up to 16 TB with a snap-in installation process that requires no screws. SSDs in 2230/2240/2260/2280 sizes are supported.

hyper ssd enclosure partshyper ssd enclosure parts
For testing, I paired Hyper’s enclosure with a 2TB WD_BLACK SSD that supports up to 7,300 MB/s transfer speeds, allowing me to push the enclosure to its limits without being capped by the SSD. The installation process was as simple as advertised, and all I had to do was pop open the enclosure by hand, slide the SSD into the drive slot, secure it with a rubber secure grip, peel off the protective film on a preinstalled thermal pad, and close everything back up. An extra thermal pad and secure grips are provided in the box in case you need them.

hyper ssd enclosure openhyper ssd enclosure open
A 0.5-meter USB4 cable is included with the enclosure, and upon plugging the enclosure in to my MacBook Pro, I was able to quickly format it for APFS with Disk Utility to work with macOS. An illuminated Hyper logo on the enclosure shines through an opening in the silicone bumper, giving you some information about drive status. The logo shines a steady white when the enclosure is powered on and the drive is idle, and it blinks while data is being read from or written to the SSD. The logo will blink red if detects an SSD is not connected.

Hyper says the enclosure supports up to 3,800 MB/s transfer speeds, and in my testing with a 16-inch M1 Pro MacBook Pro I saw both read and write speeds registering around 3,100 MB/s with the WD SSD. That’s plenty fast for most users, allowing for fast file transfers and even the ability to work with large projects directly from the external drive. I was able to copy a ~28 GB folder with roughly 17,500 items in it to the drive in around 15 seconds.

hyper ssd speed testhyper ssd speed test
The enclosure gets slightly warm even when not in active use, with the finned aluminum design of the enclosure and small Hyper logo-shaped holes in the silicone bumper helping move heat away from the drive. The heat was not a concern in any of my testing, as it remained comfortable to touch.

Overall, I was pleased with the performance of the enclosure, and it’s a convenient solution for backing up data or just adding extra storage. At $119.99 before adding in the cost of the SSD itself, it’s pricier than some other solutions, but when you consider the higher-end specs it offers, it’s within the same price range as many other options from trusted brands.

Hyper is currently sold out of the SSD enclosure on its own site, but does have it available through Amazon.

10 Port USB-C Hub

At the low end of Hyper’s USB hub range is the 10 Port USB-C Hub priced at $99.99. It includes support for a single external display at 4K60Hz over HDMI while offering a pair of 10 Gbps USB-C ports, two USB-A ports (one at 10 Gbps and one at 5 Gbps), SD and microSD 4.0 card slots supporting up to a theoretical maximum of 312 MB/s, Gigabit Ethernet, and a 3.5 mm combo audio jack.

hyper 10 port usb hub fronthyper 10 port usb hub front
There’s also a USB-C port with PD support at up to 140 watts, allowing for passthrough power to your computer if you hook up an external power adapter. Otherwise, the hub will run in bus-powered mode off of your computer. The hub connects to the attached computer over an integrated USB-C cable, which ensures you always have the proper cable with you but introduces a potential failure point for the whole accessory. The cable does feel fairly thick and sturdy with some strain relief reinforcement around where it enters the hub, so hopefully it will remain durable over the long term.

This is a compact, lightweight (97 grams) hub in a very dark gray or almost midnight aluminum finish, and in my testing it’s proven to be a solid option for on-the-go use cases. It slips easily into a computer bag or sleeve and offers a really nice selection of ports to help you make use of a wide variety of accessories you might run across.

hyper 10 port usb hub rearhyper 10 port usb hub rear
With support for a single external display, this may not be for true power users, but the vast majority of people are likely to only need to connect to a single display, especially in travel environments where this hub excels. A more powerful dock with additional display support and even more ports would likely suit these users better at more fixed home and office locations.

Hyper is currently sold out of the 10 Port USB-C Hub on its own site, but it is available through Amazon and Best Buy.

Dual 4K HDMI 7 Port USB-C Hub

Hyper’s mid-range Dual 4K HDMI 7 Port USB-C Hub priced at $149.99 offers fewer ports than the lower-end model but with enhanced display support. It includes two HDMI ports (one HDMI 2.0 at 4K60Hz and one HDMI 1.4 at 4K30Hz), a pair of 10 Gbps USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports, a single 10 Gbps USB-A port, a 3.5mm combo audio jack, and a USB-C port allowing you to optionally connect a PD 3.0 power adapter of up to 100 watts for passthrough charging of up to 85 watts to a connected computer. If you don’t want to connect a power adapter, the hub will run in bus-powered mode from the attached computer, so no external power brick is needed.

hyper 7 port usb hub rearhyper 7 port usb hub rear
The design is an unobtrusive space gray plastic with subtle Hyper branding on the top. An integrated USB-C cable on one side connects to the host computer, while the available USB-C passthrough power port is on the opposite side. All other ports are on the rear of the hub, allowing for a relatively clean look on a desk. There are several rows of tiny Hyper logos on the ends of the hub, with the top row on each end being ventilation holes. The integrated cable is convenient for ensuring your cable is always at hand, but if it frays or otherwise breaks, the hub is rendered useless. It does appear quite durable based on my time with it though.

Given that this is a hub rather than a wall-powered desktop dock, it’s ideal to take on the go to connect to displays and other devices as needed. While dual external displays are supported over the HDMI ports, it’s important to note that USB bandwidth limitations means that only one of the displays can run at 60Hz, with the other running at 30Hz. This is likely fine for less demanding productivity tasks, but definitely something to be aware of if you’re hoping to drive displays with heavier demands.

hyper 7 port usb hub sidehyper 7 port usb hub side
The inclusion of two USB-C ports with 10 Gbps transfer speeds is nice for connecting external drives and other modern devices, while the USB-A port offers legacy connectivity. I prefer a couple of USB-A ports on my full-time desktop dock due to a number of accessories I use that have integrated USB-A cables or proprietary charging connectors that use USB-A at the other end, but for a portable solution, this hub does the trick just fine.

I connected the USB4 NVMe SSD Enclosure via this hub, and it unsurprisingly impacted performance of the SSD as it was now sharing bandwidth other accessories, potentially including displays. I was still able to get write speeds of around 975 MB/s and read speeds of 850 MB/s, which should be sufficient for most users’ needs.

The Dual 4K HDMI 7 Port USB-C Hub offers a number of connectivity options primarily aimed at users on the go, but you’ll need to ensure it suits your needs. It’s on the pricier side of USB hubs at $149.99, so make sure you need all of its capabilities and can’t get away with a cheaper and simpler option. But on the flip side, the display limitations mean demanding users may want to look at other solutions such as separately connecting multiple displays to their computers for maximum performance.

Hyper is currently listing the Dual 4K HDMI 7 Port USB-C Hub as on sale for $104.99 on its own site, though it is currently out of stock. Amazon has it available for the regular price of $149.99, but hopefully Hyper gets this model back in stock soon at the sale price.

10 Port Business Class USB-C Dock

For those looking for more capabilities, Hyper offers the $199.99 10 Port Business Class USB-C Dock. While this dock has the same dual display capabilities of one HDMI 2.0 port at 4K60Hz and one HDMI 1.4 port at 4K30Hz, it offers a different combination of other ports. As a business-focused dock, there’s a heavier emphasis on legacy connectivity such as two USB-A ports, both of which run at up to 10 Gbps. The extra USB-A port is offset by the inclusion of only a single downstream USB-C port, which also runs at 10 Gbps.

hyper 10 port usb dock rearhyper 10 port usb dock rear
In addition to the same 3.5mm combo audio jack as on the 7-port hub, the 10-port model includes a Gigabit Ethernet port and an SD 4.0 card slot supporting transfer speeds up to 312 MB/s, In another nod to the business market, Kensington and Kensington Nano lock slots are included to help physically secure the dock.

hyper 10 port usb dock right sidehyper 10 port usb dock right side
The dock connects to the host computer via a short detachable USB-C to USB-C cable, which conveniently snaps into the edge of the dock for travel, so this is a great balance of convenience and repairability. While the dock can be bus powered over this connection, you can also provide external power to the dock that can pass through to your laptop. The dock allows for power input via either USB-C or a DC barrel connector, but an external power adapter is not provided with the dock.

hyper 10 port usb dock fronthyper 10 port usb dock front
I experienced no issues in my testing, with the dock reliably driving two displays, keeping in mind that the 30Hz refresh rate on the second display may be insufficient for some uses. Productivity users are, however, unlikely to notice any issues due to that limitation. Ethernet and USB connectivity worked as advertised.

hyper 10 port usb dock left sidehyper 10 port usb dock left side
SD card reader speeds also appeared as advertised, with my test card nearing its maximum specs at write speeds of 125 MB/s and read speeds of around 220 MB/s.

While the 10 Port Business Class USB-C Dock is priced at $199.99 at Hyper, Best Buy is currently offering it for a discounted price of $159.99.

Wrap-up

Overall, Hyper offers a nice selection of USB-C hubs and docks to suit a variety of needs. While they don’t have quite the capabilities of a Thunderbolt dock, they can provide good options for port expandability both on the go and in a desktop situation.

The USB4 SSD Enclosure supports the latest USB standard for high read and write speeds that should satisfy almost all users, and it comes in a compact package ideal for extra portable storage. Just make sure the SSD you’re using can take advantage of the speeds the enclosure has to offer.

Note: Hyper provided MacRumors with the hubs, dock, and SSD enclosure for the purposes of this review. No other compensation was received. MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Hyper, Amazon, and Best Buy. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

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OWC Express 1M2 USB4 high-speed external SSD enclosure

OWC Express 1M2 USB4 high-speed external SSD

If you’re a professional dealing with large video files, complex databases, or extensive software applications, you understand the importance of having a reliable and fast storage solution. The OWC Express 1M2 USB4 drive enclosure is designed to meet these needs, offering impressive speed and flexibility for your data management tasks. The Express 1M2 is available for purchase with or without an SSD, with prices starting at $119.99.

This latest storage offering from Other World Computing (OWC) is their fastest single blade NVMe enclosure to date, boasting transfer speeds of up to 3151 MB/s. Such swift performance is essential for tasks like video editing and scientific computing, where efficiency is key.

The Express 1M2’s compatibility is extensive, supporting not only the latest USB4-equipped Macs and PCs but also a wide array of Thunderbolt and USB-C devices. This versatility ensures that you can connect the drive to both new and older technology, providing a smooth transition and broad usability. The enclosure also offers the convenience of customization. You can choose to use OWC’s Aura SSDs or install your preferred NVMe M.2 SSDs. With support for various SSD sizes, you can select a storage capacity of up to 8 TB, allowing the Express 1M2 to grow with your storage needs.

OWC Express 1M2 high-speed external SSD

inside the Express 1M2 SSD enclosure showing the installation of NVMe M.2 2230, 2242, or 2280 SSD

  • The Express 1M2 is the fastest single blade NVMe enclosure offered by OWC, with speeds up to 3151 MB/s.
  • It is compatible with USB4-equipped Macs and PCs and also supports a wide range of existing Thunderbolt and USB-C devices.
  • Users can populate the enclosure with OWC’s Aura SSDs or install their own NVMe M.2 SSDs of various sizes.
  • The compact design of the Express 1M2 makes it a portable option for expanding storage or repurposing existing drives.
  • USB4 compatibility ensures the device can connect with a broad spectrum of past, present, and future devices, offering improved speed and connectivity.
  • The enclosure features a solid aluminium heat sink design for efficient heat dissipation and consistent performance without thermal throttling.
  • OWC’s MacDrive software enables cross-platform functionality, allowing the Express 1M2 to work with both Macs and PCs.
  • The product is built with a focus on data reliability and long-term performance.
  • The Express 1M2 is available for purchase with or without an SSD, with prices starting at $119.99 and options ranging up to 8 TB of capacity.

For those who are always on the go, the portability of the Express 1M2 is a significant advantage. Its compact design makes it an ideal solution for expanding storage while traveling or for repurposing existing drives. With this device, you can ensure that your critical files are always within reach, no matter where your work takes you.

portable SSD enclosure connected to a MacBook Pro

OWC has designed the Express 1M2 external SSD with a solid aluminum heat sink to optimize heat dissipation. This feature is crucial for maintaining consistent performance and preventing thermal throttling, which can occur during heavy data transfers or long periods of use. Additionally, for those working in environments with both Macs and PCs, OWC’s MacDrive software allows the Express 1M2 to integrate smoothly with both operating systems. This cross-platform functionality is invaluable for professionals who need to transfer data between different systems.

Data reliability and longevity are at the heart of the Express 1M2’s design. OWC understands the importance of your data and has built the enclosure to protect and preserve it over time. This makes the Express 1M2 not just a solution for your current needs but also a long-term component of your data management strategy.

Whether you’re looking to expand your current setup or starting from scratch, the Express 1M2 external SSD offers a range of capacities to meet your specific requirements. This high-performance, versatile, and dependable storage solution is an excellent investment for anyone looking to enhance their data management efficiency.

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ORICO 40Gbps M.2 smart SSD external enclosure

ORICO 40Gbps M2 smart SSD external enclosure

The ORICO 40Gbps M.2 smart SSD external enclosure is a high-performance storage solution, leveraging the latest advancements in Thunderbolt technology. With a maximum transmission speed of 40Gbps, this external enclosure is designed to handle a plethora of data-intensive tasks, from gaming and movie streaming to frequent data transmission jobs.

The ORICO enclosure is distinguished by its robust cooling mechanisms. It features a small built-in fan and smart chip for cooling, which work in tandem with CPU grade heat dissipation silicone grease to maintain a lower operating temperature. This strategic combination of cooling elements helps prevent overheating, thereby enhancing the performance and longevity of the device.

Early bird tier pledges are now available for the ground-breaking project from roughly $100 or £83 (depending on current exchange rates), offering a considerable discount of approximately 41% off the retail market price, while the Kickstarter crowd funding is under way.

external SSD enclosure

For users who require ample storage, the ORICO enclosure offers support for up to 8TB of memory. This makes it a versatile solution for a wide range of applications. Whether one is a professional frequently transmitting large volumes of data or a gaming enthusiast in need of high-speed performance, this enclosure caters to a broad spectrum of needs.

The device is compatible with the J20 PRO ORICO SSD, which boasts a speed of 7000m/s. This SSD leverages Changjiang Storage’s latest technology to deliver a smoother gaming experience, including improved game startup speed, scene loading speed, and game stability. Additionally, it enhances the smoothness of Clipping and PS operations. The SSDs are available in capacities of 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB, allowing users to choose according to their individual requirements.

Another noteworthy feature of the ORICO enclosure is its intelligent sleep function. This feature is activated after 10 minutes of inactivity, which helps protect data and prevent overheating and data loss. This intelligent sleep function is a testament to ORICO’s commitment to both performance and data security.

If the ORICO campaign successfully raises its required pledge goal and fullfilment progresses smoothly, worldwide shipping is expected to take place sometime around December 2023. To learn more about the ORICO 40Gbps M.2 smart SSD external enclosure project scan the promotional video below.

External SSD enclosure

Other articles we have written that you may find of interest on the subject of Thunderbolt connectivity:

Last but not least, the ORICO enclosure features a transparent lid. This design element allows users to easily identify the type and status of the internal hard drive without having to open the box. Moreover, it provides physical protection against dust, moisture, collisions, and other potential hazards. This not only extends the lifespan of hard drives but also reduces the risk of data loss.

The ORICO 40Gbps M.2 smart SSD external enclosure is a comprehensive storage solution that combines high-speed performance, ample storage capacity, effective cooling mechanisms, and data protection features. It is a testament to ORICO’s commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable, and user-friendly storage solutions. Whether for professional or personal use, this enclosure offers a blend of features designed to meet a wide range of data storage and transmission needs.

ORICO SSD external enclosure features

For a complete list of all available pledges, stretch goals, extra media and product capabilities for the 40Gbps M.2 smart SSD external enclosure, jump over to the official ORICO crowd funding campaign page by navigating to the link below.

Source : Kickstarter

Disclaimer: Participating in Kickstarter campaigns involves inherent risks. While many projects successfully meet their goals, others may fail to deliver due to numerous challenges. Always conduct thorough research and exercise caution when pledging your hard-earned money.

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